Not much buzz coming out of Devils camp since the second signing of Ilya Kovalchuk.
Unless you think inviting Marcus Nilson to tryout is news. The former Panther and Flame played last year with prospect Jacob Josefson for Djurgardens of the Swedish Elite League and was in the top 5 in points in the league. Interesting invite especially if Zubrus and/or Rolston are not around for the first game of he season, Marcus couldbe a cheap replacement. Let's hope we get different results than the Pikkarainen project.
Now, What Wil Uncle Lou Do?
I think Lou will wait to see if there is, indeed, some kind of penalty levied by the NHL on the initial Kovalchuk contract. A penalty, if any, could affect cap and moves Lou makes.
We have heard Zubrus and Salvador's name pop up but Brian Rolston, of late, has been mentioned. Even though Rolston has a not trade clause Lou may have some options suck as waivers which some team could take a stab, or even re-entry waivers when the Devils would be responsible for half his salary, approx. 2.5Mil, and still not help the cap issue.
The Islanders, Thrashers, Blues, Hurricanes, Coyotes, Panthers, Lightning, Stars, Ducks, Predators and Kings all have $9 million or more in space which could be possible trading partners. The Devils are behind the eight ball here because teams would need a big incentive (draft picks) to take on a salary like Zubrus's especially since players like Mike Comrie can be had for league minimum.
Uncle Lou has also mentioned not trading Salvador or Rolston and chances are Langenbrunner, at least now, will not be going anywhere - He is still the Devils Captain. Suddenly Travis Zajac becomes a real attractive chip.
I think at this stage a trade is more than likely where the Devils get a few cheaper depth bodies back - and Nilson makes the team and earnes league minimum for one season.
One thing is for sure - The Devils are going for it all and this could be the most talented team the Devils have compiled. (even though the Stevens and Niedermayer are no longer here)
The Devil's October 11th, game vs Pittsburgh (possibly Paul Martin's first game against his old team) has had a time change from 1pm start to 4pm start.
Rookies report today and will be in the ice this afternoon, veterans report this weekend. Hockey is upon us!
Here is the roster reported for camp:
Goaltenders (8) – Martin Brodeur, Dave Caruso, Maxime Clermont, Jeff Frazee, Johan Hedberg, Mike McKenna, Shane Owen, Scott Wedgewood
Defensemen (19) – Matthew Corrente, Rob Davison, Tyler Eckford, Mark Fayne, Mark Fraser, Eric Gelinas, Andy Greene, Dan Kelly, Olivier Magnan-Grenier, Tyler Miller, Chris Murray, Anssi Salmela, Bryce Salvador, Henrik Tallinder, Matt Taormina, Alexander Urbom, Anton Volchenkov, Colin White, Harry Young
Left Wings (12) – J.S. Berube, Kevin Cormier, Patrik Elias, Ilya Kovalchuk, P.L. Letourneau-Leblond, Kory Nagy, Zach Parise, Louis Robitaille, Brian Rolston, Alexander Vasyunov, Chad Wiseman, Vladimir Zharkov
Centers (11) – Jason Arnott, Stephen Gionta, Adam Henrique, Jacob Josefson, David McIntyre, Brad Mills, Rod Pelley, Tim Sestito, Michael Swift, Travis Zajac, Dainius Zubrus
Right Wings (12) – Matt Anderson, David Clarkson, Patrick Davis, Trevor Kell, Jamie Langenbrunner, Thomas Nesbitt, Marcus Nilson, Nick Palmieri, Nathan Perkovich, Myles Stoesz, Mattias Tedenby, Darcy Zajac
Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
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